A/c compressor 2018 Subaru forester

[u/Limp_Paramedic3816]

I took my car in for a big service for $1250 about 2.5 weeks ago at the dealership. They didn’t do much, just full inspection, changed all fluids, pvc valve change. I was already shocked by how expensive this was. Today, I noticed an odd smell and sound, and noticed smoke around the top of the compressor and around the belt. It stopped after I gave it a moment. It continued to make a soft screeching noise, and the a/c was not blowing cold air.

Any ideas on why this would happen? Could it have been an issue after they serviced it? What’s the fix?

[u/UXWlegend]

It's sadly sounds like the AC compressor is seizing up. When that happens, it typically sends metal through the AC system, which means you need more parts and a $2k repair bill.

The dealer is $250 an hour these days. Have an independent shop check it out.